Naturalized Reptiles and Amphibians of the World

Christopher Lever

The first academic reference book of naturalised reptiles and amphibians

Provides a comprehensive insight into the history of, and the dangers inherent in, the introduction of alien herpetofauna

Global coverage of 185 species of reptile and 83 species of amphibian

Naturalized Reptiles and Amphibians of the World

Christopher Lever

Description

This book describes how the various alien reptiles and amphibians now living in the wild throughout the world were first introduced, how they subsequently became naturalized, their present distribution and status in those countries to which they were introduced, and their ecological and socio-economic impact on the native biota and local economies. Many species have had a more or less neutral impact, being neither beneficial nor harmful. However, several have had a positive ecological or socio-economic impact, while some such as the cane toad, have had an extremely destructive effect.The criteria for inclusion of a species are that it should have been imported from its natural range to a new country by human agency--either accidentally or deliberately--and that it should currently be established in the wild in self-maintaining and self-perpetuating populations unsupported by and independent of mankind.

Naturalized Reptiles and Amphibians of the World

Christopher Lever

Author Information

Sir Christopher Lever is an established historian and author of a series of well-respected monographs and more popular natural history books. He specialises in vertebrates that have been introduced to geographical areas other than their native ones. Previous books include 'Naturalized Mammals of the World' and 'Naturalized Birds of the World', published by Longman, and 'Naturalized Fishes of the World', published by Academic Press. MA (Cantab), Fellow of the Linnean Society of London, Member of the IUCN (World Conservation Union) Species Survival Commission, Member of the Council of Ambassadors of WWF (Worldwide Fund for Nature).

Naturalized Reptiles and Amphibians of the World

Christopher Lever

Reviews and Awards

"Lever, a world authority on naturalized vertebrates, has authored this comprehensive volume on reptiles and amphibians that survive and reproduce in areas outside their natural ranges after being introduced accidentally or deliberately by human agency... This well-written account will be most useful to biologists and conservationists." --Choice